The Sons of Temperance was a fraternal group and mutual benefit society that advocated for the societal benefit of abstinence and temperance, while providing assistance for its members, such as sickness and disability benefits, and allotted money to assist with burials of fellow brothers and their wives. The organization met for the first time on September 29, 1842 at Teetotaller’s Hall in New York City. As the Sons of Temperance gained popularity, the group became known for its secret passwords, grips, handshakes, and rituals of initiation and ceremony. To join, a man had to be nominated by an existing member, and then allow three members to conduct an investigation into his life and character. Once this process was completed, the membership was decided by secret ballot.

On June 17, 1844, the first meeting of the National Division was held in New York City, where officers were elected and committees were appointed for regalia, certificates of membership, revision of constitutions, and for ceremonies of the organization. At its height, the National Division of North America comprised the Grand Divisions of the various states and of the different provinces of Canada and Newfoundland. National Divisions were also formed in Great Britain and Ireland, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and New Zealand.

The Grand Division of Massachusetts was instituted on June 18, 1844. Subordinate Divisions in Massachusetts were established, beginning with Washington Division, No. 1 of Boston. The total number of divisions within Massachusetts reached over one hundred, including the Old Bay State Division, No. 32, chartered on May 28, 1846 and instituted on June 4, 1856 in Boston, and the Wenuchus Division, No. 41, instituted on December 7, 1876 at the Maple Street Chapel in Lynn, Massachusetts.